Unlocking digital transformation success for mid-market companies

In an insightful article for Inside Technology, Johan Smits, Partner of KPMG’s Supply Chain Advisory practice, expressed some useful views on digital transformation in the mid-market. Based on his considerable operational experience, he was responsible for a multi-million euro digital integrated business planning transformation involving 85 countries, being Global Supply Chain Director at Heineken, Smits currently assists companies in their transition from operational volume management to value management with technology.

These insights are especially applicable to mid-market businesses dealing with supply chain volatility, cloud ERP implementations, and increasing demand for artificial intelligence-driven decision intelligence capabilities. It is important that Smits specifically draws attention to the importance of solutions such as Slimstock’s platform in achieving success.

The mid-market opportunity and challenge

An important focus of KPMG is on the mid-market companies: rapidly growing businesses with a revenue size between €500 million and €3 billion. Such companies operate within enterprise problems, complex supply chain network, high working capital pressure, shortage of talent, and requirement for digital transformation, but lack the resources and inclination for extensive multi-year overhauls.

Smits says that mid-tier companies need agility. The solution to the problem is not to go with yet another monolithic system but to have a robust core ERP in conjunction with point solutions which provide advanced planning, optimisation of inventory and decision support.

Beyond core ERP: Why specialised applications matter

Most companies today are in the process of moving their ERP structures into the cloud-based environment. Though this provides a robust transaction base, according to Smits, “once achieved, this is leading to demand for differentiating application layers and new models.” These layers sit on top of core applications to handle advanced functionalities like:

• Demand and supply planning.
• Inventory optimisation and reduction.
• S&OP / IBP.
• Network design and scenarios simulation.
• Decision Intelligence and Automated Exception Handling.

Smits makes it abundantly clear that although big ERP vendors are good at administration and transactions, specialised software is needed for advanced planning and decision intelligence.

Slimstock’s platform: enabling advanced planning and inventory excellence

“In our client engagements, for instance, we use specialised software such as Slim4, from Slimstock, for advanced planning, S&OP and inventory reduction and AIMMS for network design and simulation,” Smits says.

That is because specialised software can do things that general-purpose ERP software cannot. The core ERP system provides the “system of record,” while Slimstock’s solution provides the “system of insight and action.” The platform combines artificial intelligence and machine learning with years of experience in supply chain management in order to provide:

• Enhanced forecast accuracy and demand sensing.
• Multi-echelon inventory optimisation enabling release of working capital (normally 15-30% inventory reduction).
• Management by exception allowing for automation of most of the planning processes.
• Total alignment throughout the whole process of S&OE, S&OP, and IBP.
• Smooth integration with most popular ERP systems such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics and more.

Closing the implementation success gap

Though there is significant investment in technologies, according to the KPMG’s figures, just 14% of top performers perceive their technology initiatives as successful. The reason behind this discrepancy Smits sees in bad data quality, misaligned KPIs, and fragmented workflow processes that dedicated platforms can fix.

KPMG’s method involves a combination of transformation methodologies, including its Powered Supply Chain and Velocity approaches along with strategically chosen technology partners. In turn, this leads to comprehensive end-to-end solutions ensuring the alignment throughout the supply chain as opposed to standalone fixes.

The power of strategic partnerships

In order to achieve such results quickly and on a larger scale, KPMG relies on strategic cooperation with reputable technology companies. Along with major technology platforms like SAP, Microsoft and ServiceNow, KPMG enjoys dedicated partnerships with Slimstock, Aera and AIMMS.

“Such cooperation is very important for us”, explains Smits. “The knowledge of our technology partners about software development enables us to organise full-scale business transformation, programmes, systems integration and user adoption.” Innovation centers facilitate prospective clients’ acquaintance with tangible results achieved in practice.

Such collaboration becomes the basis for the strategic cooperation between KPMG and Slimstock launched earlier in 2026. Together, both companies provide a practical way for mid-sized businesses to turn strategy into action, combining KPMG’s transformation methodology with the innovative features of Slimstock’s AI-based planning solution.

The ultimate goal: automated, resilient supply chains

According to Smits, “Our final aim is to create supply chains in which the majority of routine transactions would be performed automatically. From the onboarding of products to forecasting or supply planning, the use of technologies allows automating routine processes. It gives our customers an opportunity to concentrate on other activities, contributing to business growth and sustainable development.”

Given automated fundamentals that have been put in place, businesses will have the strength to deal with global shocks, focus on regional procurement approaches, and incorporate sustainability/ESG principles into their regular operations.

How Slimstock supports mid-market transformation

Slimstock has been helping more than 1,700 organisations around the world to transform supply chain complexities into a competitive edge for over three decades. Slimstock’s platform integrates commerce management, supply chain planning, and data agency into an ever-evolving ecosystem, led by supply chain experts and driven by AI.

Some common accomplishments among users of Slimstock’s platform are:

• Up to 30% decrease in inventories.
• Up to 50% increase in efficiency of planning processes.
• Up to 50% less stock-outs.
• Up to 5% boost in sales via better availability.
• Drastically reduce waste and overstocking.

Through a combination of KPMG’s change management, process re-engineering and program management skills, mid-size companies can bridge the gap between strategy and execution to gain sustainable digital transformation success.

Ready to transform your supply chain planning?

Find out how Slimstock’s solution can deliver real improvements in your company’s inventory, service level and planner performance.

• Explore Slimstock’s platform
• Learn more about the KPMG–Slimstock partnership
• Please contact your local Slimstock representative to schedule a value assessment or demo.

About the source

The above article is based on an interview with Johan Smits, Partner at KPMG Supply Chain Advisory, as featured in the Inside Technology magazine. All quotes and facts have been taken from the above interview. It gives us immense pleasure to be considered by KPMG as one of their technology partners for planning and optimisation.